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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by paul

"It's one thing to be a talented musician and quite another to be able to teach an instrument to a student. I have educated perspective teachers throughout

my professional life and have seen firsthand what a gift it is to be a great teacher, it is clearly an art and something that a person can't necessarily learn. To be able to teach to all skill levels, musical genres and all ages takes a rare and talented individual. Eric Wagner is indeed that rare individual. He is as talented and artful a teacher as he is a talented musician. As an adult student whose learning curve is not what it was as a child I am amazed where Eric brought me to in such a short period of time. Lessons are like spending an hour with a patient friend. If my children or my friends children wanted to learn to play drums this is where they would go. I couldn't recommend Eric more superlatively. Paul Schwartz, Professor of Psychology"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Eric W.

Review by Laura

"Marsha is flexible, easy to work with and I really liked the way she taught theory. She's a great teacher!"

Sacramento, CA teacher:
Marsha K.

Review by Laurie

"I'm a 55 yr old female that hasn't taken voice lessons in the last 20+ years. From that time until recently I would just do karaoke off and on. I started

taking lessons with Tanisha about seven months ago. She is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to my voice. Initially I just wanted to learn how to use my "alto" voice more effectively. I avoided singing soprano songs because it was very uncomfortable and it didn't sound right to me. But to my surprise Tanisha convinced me that I am in deed a first soprano. She started working with me on my singing with much attention on my upper range. Thanks to Tanisha, for the first time in my life I have started feeling like a real singer! She has truly taken me places vocally that I could have only dreamed of going. Even when I sing lower it sounds tons better. I practice consistently because I'm so excited about all of the progress I have made in just a seven month period. And I am just blown away that I have those high notes now! When it comes to the voice Tanisha is definitely a miracle worker! On top of that she has this bubbly personality and from the day that I met her I felt like I've been knowing her for years. She's like a new best friend!"

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Tanisha H.

Review by lydia

"An awesome teacher

I have been learning piano with Steven for about 15 months. Steven is a very intelligent, enthusiastic, patient and caring teacher. I

had a wonderful learning experience with him and I would definitely recommend him to anyone who is interested in playing piano and gaining more knowledge of music theory!"

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Steven N.

Review by Patrick

"Aaron is a really great musician, a phenomenal teacher, and just an all-around awesome person to work with. I took guitar lessons with Aaron for about two

years and he was very accommodating for my busy, inconsistent schedule. He is a great listener and really tries to cater his lesson plans to his student’s interests. While I was studying with Aaron we covered a huge spectrum of genres including funk, jazz, rock, r&b, and studied artists like Led Zeppelin, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and John Scofield, all according to my own personal interests. In addition to teaching you the songs that you want to learn, Aaron is also really great at finding easy and relatable ways to integrate theory and technique into his lessons plans. I found that almost every lesson I would walk away with some useful or nifty trick that helped me understand and navigate the fret-board a little better. He’s got great taste in music, and will inevitably introduce you to some really awesome new artists and songs that can help you to expand your musical interests. I also love writing music, and Aaron spent a lot of his personal time helping me write, record and produce my songs. Whether you are a beginner or have just gotten out of music school, I would highly recommend studying with Aaron. Stop by Wally’s Cafe any Tuesday night to hear him play and you’ll know why!"

...

Boston, MA teacher:
Aaron B.

Review by Marlene

"Mrs. Joan is amazing! I really recommend her!"

New York, NY teacher:
Joan R.

Review by Cathy

"Ukulele

Julian has been teaching my 9 year old for about 1 year now. My son has learned a lot from Julian and continues to grow under his direction. Juli

an is very patient with him but also lets him know what he expects. Julian has substantive knowledge about music but also knows how to let your child have fun and be a child! I wholly recommend him for any music lessons for kids."

...

Boulder, CO teacher:
Julian Y.

Review by Kelley

"I have taken guitar lessons from Peter for a year and a half now, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to any child - or adult, like me - for the highest qu

ality music lessons!

When I researched the TakeLessons website (and others), I looked for an instructor with a strong music background and saw that Peter had a degree in Jazz Studies and Composition from University of Oregon. He has been teaching for a number of years now, and can teach any style of music, including classical. He incorporates music theory into each lesson - very important if you want to learn how to play, improvise or write music. For those students who want to perform, Peter has lots of experience in that arena too, regularly touring with his band and teaming up with other musicians as well.

Peter's an enthusiastic teacher who takes his lessons seriously, and it is absolutely evident how much he loves music. He's exceedingly patient and supportive, and always gives plenty of positive feedback. He taught me how to practice properly, which doesn't mean playing a piece over and over, but rather breaking it down into sections - or even a measure or two - in order to perfect an awkward chord change or erratic rhythm. But perhaps most important is that he doesn't rush through the lesson; he makes certain you understand a technical point, or makes sure you're able to play a finger exercise correctly before he moves on to the next thing.

I've had numerous music instructors over the years in elementary, high school, college and beyond and Peter is without question one of the best teachers I've ever had. He's an incredible musician and a superb instructor. And a pretty terrific human being as well!"

...

Portland, OR teacher:
Peter M.

Review by Gianna

"My kids really enjoy working with her. She is enthusiastic and interacts well with children."

Jeff W.

About Jeff

I have been drumming for 20 years and currently I am playing professionally in the Bay Area. I am funny, friendly, outgoing, great with kids, , and have been teaching music for 4 years and counting.

I tend to work mainly as a "For hire" drummer on multiple acts. Styles include: Pop/Rock/Funk/Reggae and Hip-hop.I currently play with Street Drum Corps ("Percussion ensemble of the Year" from Drum Magazine! -2012) and Out of The Blue. (Hit band)

*** Lesson Details ***During our first lesson we will discuss plans that cater to your needs, and customize th

em. I want to help you reach your goals and make you happy as a drummer, so I am open to teach you anything no matter where your strength or weaknesses may fall. Next, we will pick a fun area to work on, and a challenging area to conquer. For example: we will work on a fun song/groove-- then we will work on reading and/or rudiments. I am also very patient and Flexible to those students whom have special needs, or want to go slower.

I teach using a combination of modern, traditional and personal books, and Popular music charts and lead sheets for drums are written by myself, for the student.

*** Travel Equipment ***I will bring the following: my laptop for music purposes and songs, and my curriculum.I expect my student to have the following: A pair of sticks, a practice pad/or small sized drum kit, headphones of any kind, and a music stand. I will plan to use one drum set switching off.

"When the student combines his/her playing with a strong practice, playing, and performance regimen, they are bound to get better and improve to continue making music a concrete hobby in their life."

Thanks!-Jeff

...

Reviews

Adrien P. February 8, 2014
Drum Verified Student

Great lessons, great teacher

It's only been 4 lessons but I really appreciate how the lessons are going. Jeff gives good explanations on how to read music and how to execute on the drums.Good pieces of advice too when some parts are hard to play !

Suparna V. November 11, 2013
Drum Verified Student

Friendly and great teacher.

Jeff is a friendly teacher. He gives the right amount of homework to practice and is very understanding. Jeff gives feedback instantly in order to help me improve.

Blake W. January 29, 2013 Verified Student

I've gotten so much better!

So far, with just having three lessons with Jeff, I feel that the amount that I have progressed in three weeks is far greater than the amount I've improved in the two years I've been drumming! I highly recommend Jeff to anybody.

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Jeff W.

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Jeff W.

San Jose, CA 95129

(7)

starting at

$40
/ 35-min

Kathleen B.

About Kathleen

I am a classically-trained opera singer. I have a Bachelors and Masters in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy (teaching), and have sung professionally in the U.S. and Europe. I have sung Opera, Operetta, Musical Theater and Concerts, as well as choral and cantorial singing. I have been a finalist and winner of vocal competitions in both the United States and Europe. I have been teaching voice since 1980, and have worked with students of all ages, from 14 to 75. I have also directed and designed for musical theater and opera. Because I love singing, I want to bring that to my s

tudents as well, whatever kind of music they want to sing.

In addition to music, I also teach English (ESL), Accent Reduction, German, U.S. & World History. I have my CBEST Credential And ESL Certification. I do private tutoring and teach classes.

*** Lesson Details ***I believe that learning how to breath is the key to good singing. After 3 months of study, my students will have learned how to breathe, which improves both their singing and speaking voices. Good breathing is the key to good singing and a healthy voice. With a healthy, well-trained voice, my students can be valuable members of any vocal ensemble, and enjoy their singing, For solo singing, good breathing is most important, whether singing opera, musical theater or pop music, because it gives a beautiful, full quality to the voice. I always begin a lesson with warm-up exercises, to check breathing and vocal placement. Once the (vocal) engine is warmed-up, then we begin to sing. I try to get to know my students, so that, together, we can choose music that will enable them to reach their goals and is both fun and challenging for them to sing.

In addition to music, I also teach English (ESL), Accent Reduction, German, U.S. & World History. I have my CBEST Credential And ESL Certification. I do private tutoring and teach classes.

*** Travel Equipment ***If a student wishes to have on-site lessons, I require that a piano or keyboard be available for the lessons.I usually travel with my MacBook Pro laptop computer & stereo speakers, to provide recorded accompaniment, when necessary.

I have had many international students who didn't speak English well. Music is an international language that helps me communicate with all of my students!

...

Reviews

Leah Y. L. May 6, 2014
Singing Verified Student

Excellent Voice Teacher

Mrs. B is a wonderful and dedicated teacher who focuses diligently during class sessions. She thoroughly explains terms and technique and is friendly and sociable. Her extensive knowledge of languages comes extremely useful in Italian arias and other folk songs as to explain the meanings of words and to convey motion. Her classes are enjoyable and fun, while still being comprehensively academic.

marjie H. May 20, 2013
Opera Voice Verified Student

I have improved a lot thanks to Kathleen

To date, 3 lessons, but still have improved enormously. High notes once scary are beginning to float. She, in few words, but vivid gesture has shown me well-grounded use of my body.

paulh December 29, 2010

Speaker

She was good and gave helpful, useful techniques right from the get-go. Had it not been for the distance and my highly compacted schedule, I would have continued.

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Kathleen B.

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Kathleen B.

Menlo Park, CA 94025

(3)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

Sheri L.

About Sheri

Playing music is so much fun! I have enjoyed music my whole life and being able teach music makes me very happy. Here is what one parent says about my teaching style... "Sheri, Is a lot of fun to work with. Her positive attitude on life flows from her which then helps others to have the same feelings. She is very encouraging and thoughtful of others needs. Her talents in music are un-measurable." May 31, 2011

Currently I am working on my Master's Degree in Music Education and I especially love to teach drums!

I have many years of experience teaching music and I am extremely

patient with those who may need a little extra encouragement or need a creative approach to learning.

If you have a talent show, performance, contest, or just want to have fun playing the drums, come and learn with me.

I'm looking forward to working with you soon! -Sheri

*** Lesson Details ***With extensive experience in classical and contemporary (pop, rock, funk, R&B) music, I put equal focus on technique and fostering a musician's personal style and passion for music. I understand that every student learns in a way that is unique to them, and I will do my best to discover each student's learning style. I like to combine technical work with fun time playing duets together, improvising, and exploring a wide variety of styles and genres of music. I will train you for recitals, competitions, a music career, or just for fun!

For beginners, within 3-6 months, we'll begin discovering how to read notes and rhythms and understand the language of music. We'll learn how to play some of your favorite songs and learn some that you might not know. We'll discover what you really want to learn and achieve while taking lessons, and we'll work toward those goals!

For the intermediate student, we will begin to discover how to get you more comfortable on your instrument, building a great foundation and understanding of music reading and basic music theory. We'll also learn performance techniques and how to have a great stage presence in front of a live audience! For all my students, it's a journey that is exciting, unique to each individual.

My studio is in a safe, family-friendly, smoke-free environment. We have no pets and are careful about allergies. Parents are always welcome, and encouraged to attend lessons, or just sit and relax in the waiting area.

*** Specialties ***I play drums in a band. I specialize in rock, R&B, funk and taught drum line at a local high school. I also play flute, Irish whistle, recorder and can teach music theory up through the college level. I have lots of experience with performance.

...

Reviews

Gary W. July 20, 2015
Drum ·
In studio Verified Student

Fun playing along and fine suggestions. Expected a bit more "testing" on the first visit. Buying the book, so expect more homework on the second visit.

Susie B. October 29, 2014
Drum ·
In studio Verified Student

My Daughter started taking lessons with Sheri in the Spring and is LOVING the drums! Sheri is SO enthusiastic and has a real connections with kids. She has sparked a passion in my daughter and I think she is Fantastic!

Divya S. September 27, 2013
Drum Verified Student

Sheri is an awesome teacher!

Sheri is a natural and amazing teacher. She is so positive and encouraging and I always look forward to her lessons. It is evident that she gets a lot of joy out of teaching music and working with students and that enthusiasm transfer to you and makes you enjoy the lessons and motivates you to learn. She is patient and she understand your strengths and weaknesses and breaks down complex pieces such that you can pick it up easily. I was probably her last student for the day and yet she has always been bubbling with energy and enthusiasm every single time I walk in for my lessons.

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Sheri L.

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Sheri L.

Palo Alto, CA 94306

(11)

starting at

$45
/ 30-min

Susan J.

About Susan

I started teaching because I have a passion for teaching, as well as helping students reach their true potential. I not only teach the students looking to learn their craft, but also those looking to better their ability. My goal is to impart my knowledge and love of music, theater and speech to all of my students.

I have been a professional Actress, Show Singer, Commercial Voice-Over Artist and Teacher for the past 25 years in the Bay Area. I have a BA in Theater Arts from University of Minnesota, as well as from San Jose State University. I have studied Theater, Dance, Music, and Mime at

the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. I have 30 units in "Early Childhood and Development" from DeAnza College in San Jose, CA.

I am also a member of the AFTRA, SAG and EQUITY unions.

...

Reviews

Bob L. July 1, 2015
Speaking Voice ·
In home Verified Student

Susan helped me with my speaking voice and we focused on a wedding speech I had planned to give as the father of the bride. Her feedback was invaluable and the speech was a resounding success. Not sure I could have pulled it off as well as I did without her help.

Ryan H. June 13, 2015
Singing ·
In studio Verified Student

Susan is kind, effective, and pushes me to sing my best. I can feel my voice growing stronger and more confident with every lesson. I look forward to our sessions every week with a smile.

Taeho O. June 3, 2015
Singing ·
In studio Verified Student

Susan is a wonderful teacher who loves working with her students! She has helped me gain a lot of confidence in my voice as well as giving me a strong foundation into the basics of singing.

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Susan J.

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Susan J.

Mountain View, CA 94040

(12)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

Arielle V.

About Arielle

I am a voice, guitar, songwriting and music theory teacher located in Santa Cruz for the summer! I have four years of teaching experience, and a lifetime of performance and writing experience. I graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2014 with a degree in songwriting. Since then, I have been working with several bands, writing and performing my original music and teaching students of all ages. My lessons are customized to fit you or your child's specific goals and interests. Above all, I believe music should be fun!

...

Reviews

Audrey W. June 11, 2015
Guitar ·
In home Verified Student

My daughter, Audrey loved her. Asked me if Arielle could come over every day. Wish we could afford that...for now once a week.

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